OSLO, Norway (AP) — Crown Princess Mette-Marit of Norway issued an apology on Friday, acknowledging the scrutiny she has placed on the royal family due to her past connections with the late sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. The apology comes at a time of heightened tension for the royal family, coinciding with her son’s trial for serious criminal charges in Oslo.
Why It Matters
The controversy surrounding Mette-Marit’s interactions with Epstein has surfaced at a particularly sensitive moment, adding to the royal family’s current challenges, including legal troubles involving her son. This situation could impact public perception of the monarchy and its standing within Norway.
Key Developments
- Mette-Marit is facing increased scrutiny following the release of emails and documents detailing her interactions with Epstein.
- The crown princess borrowed an Epstein-owned property in Florida in 2013, which was organized through a mutual acquaintance.
- Mette-Marit expressed deep regret for her previous association with Epstein, stating the connections do not reflect her values.
- The Norwegian Economic Crime Investigation Service is investigating possible ties between Epstein and former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland.
- World Economic Forum is reviewing CEO Børge Brende’s connections to Epstein in light of the newly released documents.
Full Report
Crown Princess’s Apology
In a statement, Crown Princess Mette-Marit conveyed her sincere apologies to those she has disappointed, particularly acknowledging the impact her past choices have had on the royal family. “It is important for me to apologize to all of you whom I have disappointed,” she said. The crown princess explained that some of her past communications with Epstein do not align with the person she aspires to be. This marks her second public apology within a week, reflecting the seriousness of the situation.
Details of the Relationship
Norwegian media reported that the released files include multiple mentions of Mette-Marit, with one email from November 2012 raising eyebrows due to its controversial content. In it, she inquired about the appropriateness of having images of two naked women for her son’s wallpaper, to which Epstein replied with a suggestion to let the children decide. Recognizing her poor judgment, Mette-Marit lamented her failure to investigate Epstein’s background more thoroughly, conceding it was “embarrassing” to have had any contact with him.
Impact on the Royal Family
The current scrutiny is compounded by the legal troubles of her son, Marius Borg Høiby, who is facing charges including rape, affecting the royal family’s image. King Harald and the royal family generally enjoy popularity in Norway, but these recent developments have raised concerns about their reputation.
Investigations into Previous Leaders
In addition to Mette-Marit, the review of connections to Epstein extends to former Prime Minister Thorbjørn Jagland, whose communications with Epstein are under investigation. Authorities are examining the possibility that Jagland accepted gifts or travel linked to his past roles. Additionally, the World Economic Forum has announced an internal review concerning its CEO, Børge Brende, after discovering correspondence with Epstein, which he claims was purely business-related.
Context & Previous Events
Mette-Marit previously expressed regret over her association with Epstein in 2019, realizing the weight of her past connections as more information about Epstein emerged. His death by suicide in 2019 while awaiting trial on serious charges underscored the gravity of his offenses and the fallout for various individuals who interacted with him.
